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Mandatory Irrigation Schedule Begins in Groton, Mystic, and Stonington

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. – April 13, 2022 – Aquarion Water Company today announced a mandatory sprinkler irrigation schedule for customers in Groton, Mystic, and Stonington. The schedule will help to conserve water supplies by reducing overwatering of lawns and gardens through a maximum two days per week schedule. The conservation program helps to ensure local water supplies remain sufficient for critical needs such as human consumption and fire protection. 

In 2017, the watering schedule launched in southwestern Connecticut, and since then has contributed to more than two billion gallons of water being saved, which has helped towns avoid a complete ban on outdoor water use during dry summer months. Under the irrigation schedule, Aquarion expects to save millions of gallons of water this year.

Homes and businesses with automatic sprinkler irrigation systems often use large volumes of water – about 40% more than properties without the systems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other experts identify the overuse of outdoor irrigation as a major source of strain on local water supplies while providing no benefit to lawns and gardens.

Research shows that lawns and gardens can thrive on reduced watering. By encouraging roots to grow deeper into the soil, they’re able to absorb more moisture and nutrients, even during dry spells. Customers may continue to water by hand or use drip irrigation or soaker hoses at any time.  

The permanent, twice-weekly irrigation schedule is in effect and follows the requirements below:

Maximum Twice-Weekly Sprinkler Irrigation Schedule

More information about the new irrigation schedule, and information about landscaping and gardening with less water, is available at www.aquarionwater.com/conserve. Some residents may qualify for a variance from the schedule. If customers, for example, have installed new plantings or sod in the spring, they would be allowed to water more frequently to help get plants established.

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